About
Welcome to El Nacho’s Cantina Mexican Restaurant and Bar, a vibrant and inviting spot located at 746 Carlton St, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. This hidden gem offers an authentic taste of Mexico wrapped in a hipster yet casual atmosphere that makes it perfect for family outings or a fun night out with friends. Reservations can be made in advance, which is highly recommended especially during busy weekends.
El Nacho’s is a testament to joyous gatherings, with an array of utilities such as outdoor seating, delivery and takeout options, and a full bar boasting happy hour specials that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. It is also kid-friendly, making it a great choice for a family dinner. The lively ambiance sets the stage for a culinary adventure where every bite is packed with flavor.
Let’s talk about the food! The menu highlights include the Catrina Burger, featuring not one, but two 8 oz. burgers piled high with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, onions, crispy bacon, and cheese, all drizzled with chipotle mayo—perfect for those who crave a hearty meal. For taco lovers, the menu presents a scrumptious range of options from chicken and beef to vegetarian choices, all served with vibrant toppings that elevate their taste.
Customer experiences unanimously highlight the deliciousness of various dishes, with standout mentions of the guacamole for its freshness and flavor. Although a few patrons noted that the main courses took some time to arrive, the wait is often compensated by the quality of the food and the festive environment. The vibrant decorations and the joyful vibe—perfect for celebrations like their engaging Mommy & Me brunch—and themed parties make this spot charmingly unique.
In summary, El Nacho’s Cantina isn’t just a place to grab a bite; it’s an experience bursting with flavor, color, and community spirit. Whether you're looking to indulge in their hearty burgers, partake in mixers and brunch events, or simply enjoy a family dinner, this Mexican restaurant and bar is certainly worth a visit. Remember to bring your friends, a hearty appetite, and get ready for a fiesta like no other!
“ I'm not sure how this place has a 3-star rating. The appetizers and drinks came out quickly, but the main course took a while. If you skip ordering apps, I can see the wait for foor feeling a bit frustrating. That said, the drinks were fantastic, and our tacos were delicious. The guacamole was a standout--so fresh and flavorful. The calamari was good for sharing among three people, though it might be a bit monotonous in taste if ordered as a main dish. The staff was incredibly kind to our 3-year-old son, which we really appreciated. The ambiance and decor are lovely, great for pictures and the space feels super spacious and inviting. ”
“ I came here on Saturday for the Mommy & Me brunch and it was an amazing experience! From the moment we entered my son and I felt like we were in a party. The vibe was so nice. Everyone was having a good time, games were being played, there were tons of elves walking around dancing and engaging the crowd, and the decorations were very festive for the holiday. The MC did a great job of encouraging parents and children to participate in the games and ensuring that it was an interactive environment. They had face painting, balloon animals, as well as painting for parents and children. The only reason why one star was taken away from this review was because the food took forever to come out. It gave us time to interact while we were there and work up our appetite, so I'm not sure if this was intentional or not. The bill came up to $111 for me and my son, and the only extra thing that I got him was the lightbulb drink, which was $8. The drinks were really good and we enjoyed the food. Overall, I think it was a little bit expensive, but considering the experience as a whole , I think it was worth it and would return next year. ”
“ Had such an amazing day. This place is a hidden gem. The atmosphere is incredible the dancing & drink mixing is awesome. Can't wait to return with the gang of TWU, ”
“ I went with a friend to a mixology class called My Bestie & I Brunch Party held at El Nachos on a Saturday from 1 - 4pm. Tickets were $60 each. I had a great time and left thoroughly buzzed. Here are some of my thoughts... Food: the all you can eat menu was served buffet-style in their outdoor area in the back, there were chicken drumsticks, rice, beans, and coleslaw in one area and in another, made-to-order tacos and nachos; everything is as flavorful Drinks: The cocktails we prepared were created by host and mixologist Steve Mazzuca. They were all tasty. My favorite were the Paraíso Azul and Coco Italiano. Atmosphere: It was a lively brunch party vibe. Music: They played a mix of genres... Reggaeton, RnB, Afrobeats, Dancehall, 80s Rock Decor: Mexican, colorful, floral Great for: girls brunch, birthday brunch, brunch date with partner Service: Everyone I encountered was polite and attentive The only con I can think of is that it took place on pretty hot day and they opened the retractable roof so the sun was BEAMING on us. I suggest to bring a portable fan lol. I also suggest that you were comfortable shoes as you will be standing (although there are some placements that have seating) I recommend the class! ”
“ Upon walking in the decor was so cute & great for pictures! All of the drinks were incredibly delicious & the nachos were so savory. I would absolutely recommend the mixed berry margarita. The churrasco was a little overcooked/charred for my liking & the chimichurri sauce was more oil than anything but the burrito was scrumptious & the portions were very large. We will definitely be returning for the nachos & margaritas soon! ”
“ Service was decent. I went for the mommy and me brunch so it was pretty chaotic. Despite this drinks came out fast but food took some time. The adult chicken and waffles was a big portion and nice presentation. I enjoyed the fluffy waffles and the chicken was basically the same as my son's tenders and fries. The ultimate fajitas were also delicious my daughter enjoyed it and was so full she brought it home. My daughter said it tasted to perfection. Ambiance for the event was like a family event . Once it was coming to an end you could see that you can make reservations for birthdays or just come by for drinks The mommy and me brunch is cute but food is pricey and they expect everyone to get a meal and drink ”
“ Great place !! Staff is super helpful, friendly, knowledgeable of menu and popular items to get. Here with a party of 4 we are luck to come today for the spectacular Mardi Gras show. Love the decor!! I feel we are in Mexico!! I will add more picture of food and drinks. The food was very fresh and tasty. Our drinks were Amazing!! Kudos to the mixologist. We plan to come back and join their themed events. We will bring more friends for the experience. Working them into our calendar. ”